Chicago Neighborhood News: River North, Logan Square, Wicker Park and Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Edgewater, West Loop

River North: Tuesday, March 17, will definitely give new meaning to Taco Tuesday as Tacopalooza hits Persona Lounge located at 408 S. Wells Street. Featuring 12 different tacos, including the new ceviche tostada, enjoy these unique, tasty creations alongside $4 draft beers and $6 premium cocktails from 5 pm – 9 pm. Chef Taylor from Taylor’s Tacos will be on hand offering her taco delights and be sure to arrive early to enjoy the $2 chicken tacos between 5 pm – 6 pm. Find more info here.

Logan Square: To celebrate the arrival of warmer weather (by Chicago standards) head out to The Twisted Hippo (2925 W. Montrose) for the First Day of Spring Fest on Friday, March 20, from 5 pm to 9 pm. A plethora of local artists will be at this handmade market featuring tons of candles, jewelry, weavings, food, and much more. The best part? The fest is free to attend. Find more info here.

Wicker Park and Bucktown: Do you sometimes just wish you could escape and forget yourself? Let “Astonishment Artist” Mat LaVore help with that task at The Den Theater (1331 N. Milwaukee) on Friday, March 20. The renowned magician, mind reader, and hypnotist will deliver a 90-minute performance featuring needle swallowing, hypnotizing audience members, and predicting the future. Find more info here.

Lincoln Park: Binny’s Beverage Depot (1720 N. Marcey Street) will host the annual World of Whiskies on Thursday, March 26, from 5 pm – 8 pm. This wonderful whiskey tasting will let attendees get their lips on new offerings from Bardstown Bourbon Company and New Riff Distilling as well as long-time fan favs like Balvenie and Old Forester, among many others. This year features four new ryes finished in cognac barrels courtesy of Mississippi River Distilling Company, Corsair Artisan Distillery, Journeyman Distillery, and FEW Spirits. Tickets are $75. Find more info here.

Edgewater: If you’re all about vintage fashion, then we have the event for you! No matter if you’re tastes run towards the 1990s or stretch back about a hundred years prior, the Chicago Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show has you covered. The two-day event show takes place Friday, March 27, at St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church (5649 N. Sheridan) from 3 pm to 8 pm and Saturday, March 28, from 10 am to 5 pm. Plenty of vendors featuring clothes, handbags, textiles, and more from yesteryear will be on hand to help you find the perfect item for your vintage tastes. Tickets are $8. Find more info here.

West Loop: The sixth annual Ramenfest takes place Sunday, March 29, from 3 pm to 8 pm at Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market). Executive Chef Bill Kim invites 20 chefs from throughout Chicago to prove that ramen is much more than merely a cheap go-to snack for poor college students. Have a taste of each chef’s creation and vote for your favorite. Proceeds from the event are going to benefit Inspiration Kitchens, a non-profit helping the homeless improve their lives via social services. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO